Local News

Wamac City Council Discusses Nuisance Bee Problem on Dover Street

By Rob Sussman, WJBD News

The City of Wamac has a bee problem.

An infestation of bees located in a tree on Dover Street in Wamac was the subject of discussion at a City Council meeting on Monday, and the council adjourned without making a final decision on what to do about the problem. While the city opened bids to companies who would be willing to handle the infestation, no company placed any bids that would both remove the tree and save the bees, two things that need to be done according to Wamac Mayor Butch Mathus. Mathus says that the tree has to be removed because the hive is too high up to be removed any other way, however he and the rest of the council are insistent on saving the bees, rather than exterminating them.

"With the decimation of the honeybee population that sustains our lives, it's important that we do our part to help nature out." Mayor Mathus said, "I feel very strongly about that."

The bee population in the state and around the country has suffered significantly in the past several years due to issues such as the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, general loss of habitat, and diseases such as Colony Collapse Disorder and Nosema.

Residents have complained about the swarm in recent months as its activity has intensified to the point of becoming a public health concern. The hive has been at the Dover Street location for over three years.

The City of Wamac also approved a new ordinance regulating the use of fireworks within city limits. Anyone with the intention of putting on a public fireworks display must register with the city beforehand.